Bassetlaw cricket club in race against time for new canopy roof

Wiseton Cricket Club had just begun refurbishing its clubhouse earlier this year - including demolishing a rotting canopy and having a beautiful new timber frame built.

However when Covid-19 struck the club’s plans were blasted as lockdown restrictions meant the club lost all its membership subscriptions and sponsorship - leaving them with no way of completing the revamp.

With winter rapidly approaching a roof and guttering is needed – so the club have launched a crowdfunding campaign to see work finished before it is too late.

The new structure’s frame was built free of charge by Chris Fielding of South Yorkshire Timber Framing - a friend of the club chairman.

The club’s second team captain Tim Larden said: “Once we had him (Chris) full of ale we described our needs and dropped the bombshell over the budget - nil pounds.

“Despite this he agreed to support the club to our great appreciation.”

Tim added: “In February - with Covid not yet the headline news we set about a series of volunteer refurbishment days.

“South Yorkshire Timber Framing led the external work demolishing the existing troublesome canopy structure and building our new high-quality frame.

“But once the frame was in place we knew we needed a roofer to complete the job.”

Tim said being unable to collect membership fees and sponsorship had a ‘very big financial impact’.

He added that with winter on the way the roof needed to be completed and was becoming ‘a more urgent matter’.

As well as a roof and guttering for the new canopy, broken slates on the clubhouse’s main roof are also in need of repair.

Amazingly Tim told how within 24 hours of launching a crowdfunding campaign, its initial £500 target was reached.

A new goal of £1,000 has now been set - which would enable the club to complete all the required works.

Tim said: "Whether you can donate or share with someone who might we are appreciative for the support.

“You are helping us make Wiseton Cricket Club one of the best village cricket venues in the league for 2021."

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